7 adults, 3 children displaced after house fire caused by fireworks in Woodbridge

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — Fire officials in Prince William County said seven adults and three children were displaced after a fire broke out at townhomes in Woodbridge Friday afternoon.

In an email to DC News Now, Matt Smolsky, the Assistant Fire Chief with the Prince William County Fire Department (PWCFD) said firefighters were notified of a townhouse fire in the 14400 block of Brentwood Ct.

Once at the scene, crews found fire erupting from the front of one townhome, with flames spreading to other units.

Townhome damaged after fire broke out on Brentwood Court in Woodbridge on July 5. (Photo Courtesy: Prince William County Fire Department)

Fire officials said residents safely escaped before crews arrived and no one was hurt. Firefighters quickly put the fire out, but it damaged three townhomes.

The American Red Cross was called to assist seven adults and three children.

Smolsky said the Fire Marshal determined the fire was caused by improperly discarded fireworks that were found in a combustible trash can inside a storage shed.

The Fire Marshal’s Office said fireworks should never be discarded in a combustible container without ensuring they are completely out. Officials said used fireworks should be sprayed with water or submerged in a bucket of water. If possible, allow them to sit for 24 hours before placing them in a non-combustible container.

Never place spent fireworks in a trash container inside or next to your home or other structure, said the Fire Marshal’s Office.

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